Let’s Play Duckpin Bowling

Thursday, 3. March 2011

When one witness a bowling game where the players use balls and pins that are midget-like, he is witnessing a duckpin bowling competition.

Beginnings

Duckpin bowling was born somewhere in the 1900’s in the eastern part of the United States. Duckpin is believed to have been born in the bowling alley which was owned by the famous baseball players Wilbert Robinson and John Mcgraw. History has it that people back then had an interesting idea of making the pins and balls smaller. The manager of the bowling alley, Mr. John Van Sant, hired a wood turner to customize the balls and pins. The people loved the new game and played it.

By the 1930s, around 200,000 people were playing the game. It has continuously gained popularity because people who wanted the fun of ten-pin bowling but hated the stress and backaches caused by the game quickly shifted to duckpin bowling.

Why is it called “duckpin” bowling?

The owners of the bowling alley (the baseball players) were also duck hunting enthusiasts. They loved hunting birds, especially duck during their spare time. As they watched the pins scatter around the alley, one of them made a comment about how the pins resembled ducks. This is the story of why the game was named “duckpin”

Specifications

Duckpin bowling has the same goal as that of regular ten-pin bowling- knock all the pins down. However, there are some major differences between the two games:

-The size of the duckpin ball is smaller, of course. A duckpin ball will measure to about 5 inches in diameter (maximum). The duckpin balls do not have holes in them, they are meant to be held in one hand.

-The pins are also smaller. The duckpins measure to around 10 inches in height.

-In duckpin, one can throw three balls during a certain round. Unlike regular ten-pin bowling, a player can try his luck three times during a certain round. This is because it is much harder to get a strike or a spare in duckpin bowling as compared to regular bowling.

-When a player knocks down all the pins in three throws, he is merited with 10 points. No bonuses are given to him for knocking all the pins down.

One must try playing duckpin bowling to experience the fun and excitement it brings. It’s as fun as ten-pin bowling but minus all the back and finger aches.

Let’s Play Duckpin Bowling

Friday, 11. February 2011

When one witness a bowling game where the players use balls and pins that are midget-like, he is witnessing a duckpin bowling competition.

Beginnings

Duckpin bowling was born somewhere in the 1900’s in the eastern part of the United States. Duckpin is believed to have been born in the bowling alley which was owned by the famous baseball players Wilbert Robinson and John Mcgraw. History has it that people back then had an interesting idea of making the pins and balls smaller. The manager of the bowling alley, Mr. John Van Sant, hired a wood turner to customize the balls and pins. The people loved the new game and played it.

By the 1930s, around 200,000 people were playing the game. It has continuously gained popularity because people who wanted the fun of ten-pin bowling but hated the stress and backaches caused by the game quickly shifted to duckpin bowling.

Why is it called “duckpin” bowling?

The owners of the bowling alley (the baseball players) were also duck hunting enthusiasts. They loved hunting birds, especially duck during their spare time. As they watched the pins scatter around the alley, one of them made a comment about how the pins resembled ducks. This is the story of why the game was named “duckpin”

Specifications

Duckpin bowling has the same goal as that of regular ten-pin bowling- knock all the pins down. However, there are some major differences between the two games:

-The size of the duckpin ball is smaller, of course. A duckpin ball will measure to about 5 inches in diameter (maximum). The duckpin balls do not have holes in them, they are meant to be held in one hand.

-The pins are also smaller. The duckpins measure to around 10 inches in height.

-In duckpin, one can throw three balls during a certain round. Unlike regular ten-pin bowling, a player can try his luck three times during a certain round. This is because it is much harder to get a strike or a spare in duckpin bowling as compared to regular bowling.

-When a player knocks down all the pins in three throws, he is merited with 10 points. No bonuses are given to him for knocking all the pins down.

One must try playing duckpin bowling to experience the fun and excitement it brings. It’s as fun as ten-pin bowling but minus all the back and finger aches.

How to Master the Skills for Bowling

Friday, 28. January 2011

Bowling requires discipline and imagination. It requires some skills and basic techniques to be able to execute the ball effectively in the lanes. Here are some tips that will help master the skills used in bowling:

1.    It is recommended that a bowler have his own ball and pair of bowling shoes, especially if he plans to join a bowling league. Having your own equipment will help a player become effective in practicing bowling in the lanes because the bowler does not need to adjust to different balls and shoes each time he bowls.

2.     If the bowler does not plan to join a league but just plays as his leisure activity, he may not want to buy his own equipment since he can use rented shoes and balls from the alley. This will allow him to be comfortable with the game and he will be able to master the strategies and moves if he uses the correct equipment.

3.    He must also consider the weight of the ball. How much the ball weighs can affect a player’s balance and will have a great impact on the performance.

4.    It is also important that the bowler determine the condition of the lanes. He should know whether the lanes are too oily or dry so that he can adjust the execution of his moves. He must decide how to position himself in the lanes so he will know how the ball will roll in the lane and hit the pins.

5.    The player should try all techniques and strategies when playing. This will help him decide which strategy worked best for him and which ones were not effective. He can then narrow down his options to the strategies that helped him have the best performance.

6.    The most important part of mastering the skills is by consistent practice. With practice one is able to master the different strategies in bowling. The bowler should strive to master all of the techniques by performing them frequently. Practicing the techniques and moves also allows the player to assess his mistakes, strong points and weak points in playing the game.

Mastering the skills in bowling is not a difficult task but requires discipline and perseverance to become a master of the game. It may take weeks andor months to master the skills but what is important is how much the player enjoys the game.

Heat It Up: 5 Bowling Warm Up Tips

Thursday, 6. January 2011

In every sports or any activity that entails strenuous work, it is important to start with some warm up exercises first. This is to avoid any possible injury, which results from muscles that were not yet toned and conditioned before the activity.

In fact, most health experts say that doing warm up exercises increases the capacity of the person to withstand the activity or the game.

It has been clinically proven that warm up exercises can actually boost an individual’s working ability and can lessen, if not eliminate, the chances of injury. It is necessary for every bowler to do some warm up exercises since playing the game could put more strain on the player than anticipated.

Here is a list of some warm up tips that every bowler should learn in order to play the game well – minus the injury:

1. Stretching

When doing stretching exercises that involve the neck and shoulder, it is best to hold each stretch for about eight counts to get utmost results. This will give the muscles enough time to condition.

2. Sweat it out!

It is important to start sweating when doing some bowling warm up exercises. The purpose of the warm up exercises is to raise an individual’s body temperature, at least by 1 or 2 levels.

The point here is that when your body has been warmed up, it will no longer release more heat when it is already doing in very strenuous activity during the game.

3. Stretch those arms

The player’s flexers and extenders should be properly warmed up before playing the game. This will enable the player’s arms to be properly toned so that it can handle the weight and strain of the ball.

4. Breathe out

During warm up exercises, it is important to do some deep breathing. It is best to hold your breath for about 6 counts in between deep breaths in order to condition the lungs. This will enable the person not to tire so easily.

5. Warm up before stretching

Even if stretching is part of a bowler’s warm up routine, it is still important to do some warm up exercises before stretching those muscles. Keep in mind that stretching should never be painful.

These are just some of the few tips that every bowler must bear in mind when doing warm up exercises that will ensure safe and comfortable play throughout the game.

Choosing the Right Gear for Bowling Fun

Thursday, 4. November 2010

Before learning how to play the game, a bowler will need to identify the equipment needed and know how to use it. They should know where to find the necessary equipment, select the right shoe size, choose the right weight of ball to be used, wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the game, and return the equipment to the proper place after the game.

The bowling ball selected must be of the proper weight and grip; the player’s finger size and the space between holes are essential for comfort. Most players use the conventional grip (used in bowling alleys), after fitting the two middle fingers and thumb in the holes, they must test its fit by swinging the ball lightly. Amateurs can find equipment at bowling centers where they can use the equipment for free. However, for advanced and intermediate players, they will want to purchase their own equipment. These players use the Semi-fingertip grips where the thumb and the fore fingers are inserted into the ball’s holes

The usual weight of the ball is approximately 14 to 16 lbs. for males and 10 to 14 lbs. for females. Young players are given the 4 to 6 lb. balls. The swing indicates whether or not the weight of the ball is appropriate for a player. If not, it will cause the shoulder to dip and the player to be out of balance. If the swing causes lofting, it could be too light. The speed of the ball when it is released can also show if it fits the player. Bowling instructors advise professional bowlers to have their own bowling ball which is drilled especially to fit the player’s fingers for consistency and comfort. As with any other sport, strength and physical fitness must be taken into consideration before playing the game.

Aside from the ball, players will need a few other things:

- Bowling shoes – these are designed to allow the player to slide on either foot. The left shoe has a sole that allows the right-handed player to use the five-step approach and vice versa;

- A bowling bag for the ball;

- A rosin bag, which is used by the players to insure that the hands are kept dry; and

- A bowling towel, to get rid of oil and dirt.

To practice, players must make sure that the proper equipment is pre-ordered or reserved to ensure proper hand fit and weight. Ask for assistance from the pro shop staff at the local bowling centers when choosing your equipment. Some bowling centers just charge per game and lend the equipment for free while others rent the equipment. In the long run, when budget permits, confidence is gained when a player owns his equipment. Have fun bowling!

Bowling Supply 101: Things to Start the Ball Rolling

Friday, 17. September 2010

At one time in the past bowling was the object of many “spoofs”, particularly on the big screen where it was portrayed as a humorous activity. That is no longer true.

There are approximately 100 million people all over the world playing this ancient Egyptian game. Historians found that the earliest form of bowling was recorded in the year 3200 B.C.

The pleasant characteristics of the bowling game are the primary reason it has continued to exist. It is a game that anyone can enjoy without having to consider the day, the time, or the weather.

Knowing the basic rules of playing the game is essential. The other necessities are the supplies you must have. These supplies are carefully and artistically to fit the individual needs of each bowler.

The Importance of Owning Bowling Supplies

Bowling supplies are not manufactured just to satisfy the market demand but are designed to suit the personal requirements of each bowler. If you are a serious bowler it is important to purchase your personal equipment and supplies. By doing this you not only promote personal hygiene but comfort as well.

Why?

This is because most of the bowling supplies are should be custom-made to fit the individual bowler’s needs. For instance, bowling balls should be made so that they fit the hands of the user or the bowler. In turn, this will promote easier handling and better control.

To perform well a bowler must have the right supplies. Those who are not familiar with the sport of bowling tend to buy inappropriate equipment because they are uninformed or wish to appear “trendy”. Money is easily wasted and injuries occur in this case.

Where to Buy

Bowling supplies are generally available in bowling centers or in bowling pro shops. You can probably find a bowling pro shop near where you can order or acquire the supplies that you need. You can ask them to assist you in selecting the equipment and supplies that will work best for you. Choosing bowling supplies is not as easy as 1-2-3 but the best thing about it is that knowing that by choosing the right ones and learning how to use them properly will be very useful in playing the game. At the same time you will buy only what is needed and save money. When properly prepared, you can trigger your quest for success.

Bowling Safety: Playing Out of Harm’s Way

Friday, 10. September 2010

There are so many great things about bowling that many people are lured to play the game.

Almost anyone who is interested in sports would probably want to try to bowl. In fact, even those who do not have any particular interest in other sports enjoy this one because bowling is so easy to play that anyone can enjoy it.

No wonder almost 50 million people play this game in the United States, with over 6 million bowlers who are determined enough to join leagues or other competitions.

With so many people playing it is important to know something about bowling safety. Many players tend to overlook the safety procedures that need to be used when playing the game. Neglecting the safety rules in the bowling alley could cause serious injury, whether playing or observing. Therefore, it is important to know the safety rules when playing the game.

Here are some of the things that each player must try to observe in order to avoid serious injuries.

1. Warm-up exercises

Basically, it is important to have for warm-up exercises before playing the sport. This is a universal rule for every player in whatever sport he or she is participating.

It is important to stretch those muscles in order to avoid serious injuries like “pulled” or torn muscles.

2. Wear the proper bowling shoes

It is important for every bowler to use the right bowling shoes. This will prevent unnecessary slips that cause strained muscles whenever the player has to “slide-step” as he or she “bowls.”

3. Never use one hand in handling the ball

This can create strains of the player’s hands and back. Statistical reports show that 7 out of 10 players use only one hand which is why this is considered the most common mistake of every bowler. Besides, a 16-pound ball is relatively heavy to pick with just one hand, right?

4. Never intersect on the “foul line”

Usually, before the game starts, the lane is lubricated, so if a player crosses the “foul line” or the sides of the lane, the player accumulates oil on his shoes making them slippery. A fall may occur that could cause serious injury.

These are just some of the many safety rules that every bowler must know. Without understanding these safety rules, injury and accidents in the bowling lane will be inevitable.